In the News April 2008 More News |
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In the News April 2008 More News |
| By KEN GRABOWSKI
Associate Editor MANISTEE — Manistee County residents have known for years that contained within the boundaries of this county are some of the best fishing and hunting opportunities in the State of Michigan. Now, what has been known locally for years is getting national recognition, as the April issue of the very popular Outdoor Life Magazine has named Manistee as one of the top 200 places to fish and hunt in the nation. Manistee was rated 62nd in that survey, and the only Michigan community to rank higher was Marquette, who was rated seventh. The popular magazine is presently on sale at various locations around the county. What made the recognition so much more impressive is the fact that Marquette and Manistee were the only two areas of Michigan represented among the 200 that Outdoor Life selected for that honor. It was an honor that acting Manistee County Chamber of Commerce executive director, Steve Morris, said brings some impressive recognition to the community. “It is priceless, and it just goes to show that we have a pretty well rounded environment here, and we have something for everyone,” said Morris. “That is what makes a community strong, and gives us the potential for growth, and makes us all glad we are here.” Manistee has gained recognition at the national level on many occasions in the past for a variety of topics from the sleighbell parade to our unique Victorian architecture. Morris said this latest recognition from Outdoor Life is just another page in that impressive list of accomplishments. “It is pretty impressive, but it is just one of many impressive things about Manistee, and I think this is just another notch in our belt,” said Morris. “We will continue move forward, and grow a better community.” Outdoor Life took under consideration several factors in rating the communities. What they looked at was the fishable species, huntable species, public land proximity, trophy potential and gun laws from the area. Other things that were considered were the main draws to the area, the population, property values, what type of amenities are located in the area. The top five cities in the rating include: Mountain Home, Ark, Lewiston, Idaho; Sheridan, Wyoming, Cody Wy.; and Pocatello, Idaho. Manistee was tied for 62nd on the list with Mobridge, S. D. Manistee has plenty to offer in terms of fishing and hunting in this county. To the west of the county is Lake Michigan offering some of the best fishing for opportunities during the spring, summer and fall months of the year, while inland the county is blessed with the Big and Little Manistee Rivers that offer other opportunities. The Big Manistee has been featured on many state-wide television shows and outdoor magazines. Manistee County Sportfishing president, Kevin Hughes ,said it really is the best of all fishing worlds in Manistee County. He said Manistee’s trout streams are second to none in their makeup. “I think one of the reasons we were recognized is we have a constant temperature, and constant flow in our trout streams, and that is unique to anywhere in the world,” said Hughes. “We have the Bear (Creek), the Pine (River), Little Manistee (River), Big Manistee (River) and part of the Betsie (River) in Manistee then you are some of the premier year ‘round trout fishing streams’.” Hughes pointed out that many trout streams out west are dictated by the ice and snow melt. The mountain runoff plays a big role in the flow of the water, unlike the ones we have in Manistee County. Something else he stressed is lake fishing of all varieties that is available to area fishermen. He said it is something that begins in a big fashion on our western border. “The next big thing after the trout fishing is our whole border on one side is Lake Michigan,” said Hughes. “We also have lakes like Manistee, Portage, Arcadia and Bar Lake that all flow into Lake Michigan. On top of that, the glacier formation left the formation of many inland lakes, so if you are a big lake tournament fisherman, a worm dunker, a fly fisherman, or someone who fishes off a pier, there is access at all levels.” Hughes said he hopes the county leaders will take this information, and market it in the proper manner to give the county the maximum exposure. “They need to integrate this information into literature that they can get out to other areas,” said Hughes. He pointed out that the outstanding fishing and hunting opportunities are one of the reasons people vacation, live and retire in this area. It is something that isn’t available in many other areas in all of these forms. “That is personally one of the reasons I chose to do my career here, because when you can literally walk out your back door and go fishing after work, it is special,” said Hughes. Hunting opportunities fall into the same category as thousands of acres of the Manistee National Forest being located right in the county provide plenty of small game and deer hunting in a wide variety of locations. Ken Grabowski can be reached at: kgrabowski@pioneergroup.com |